Derry’s injury woes continue

By Michael McMullan

DERRY’S Ulster Championship preparations have been dealt another blow with an injury to midfielder Anton Tohill.

Manager Paddy Tally confirmed the Swatragh man sustained a broken hand in Sunday’s defeat to Armagh.

Magherafelt’s Conor McCluskey is also out “long-term” with goalkeeper Odhrán Lynch also unlikely to feature in Ballybofey.

The news of Tohill comes after a series of injuries have hit the Derry squad during this season’s campaign.

“I must have drove over another black cat,” Tally said at Monday’s Ulster Championship launch.

“Anton broke his hand yesterday in the game, so he is out for another month or six weeks.”

Tally also said McCluskey, who has been recovering from a groin operation, is going to miss the rest of the season.

The loss of a key defender comes on the back of another long-term injury to Gareth McKinless and the retirement of Chrissy McKaigue.

“Conor is a long term injury,” he said. “We thought he’d be back in February but he has had more setbacks.

“All being well, he will be back before the end of the football season. At the moment, it’s going to take time.

Brendan Rogers sustained an ankle injury against Donegal while Ciaran McFaul has been out since the draw with Galway with a hamstring issue. Tally said both are undergoing rehab.

Marty Bradley was also replaced in Sunday’s game and the Derry boss will hope his injury is not too serious.

“Odhrán Lynch, he going to be out for a few weeks as well,” he added. “We are picking up a lot of injures. It has been a heavy load, seven matches in nine weeks.

“The games are more demanding now than the old game. We are trying to piece ourselves together to be as strong as we can for the championship.”

Derry face champions Donegal when the Ulster Championship begins in Ballybofey on Sunday, April 6.